Lescott Thanks Fans

But it was still enough to earn him a place in the PFA Championship Team Of The Season.

A measure of how hightly his peers rate him, which is possibly the highest praise of all.

Talking to the club's official site he said :

'I must admit that I was surprised when I heard about the award. To be voted for by your fellow professionals is something very special.

'The only thing that saddens me when I look down the list is that six of the 11 players in the side come from clubs that have been promoted, and a further three come from teams in the play-offs - and we are not one of them.

'We desperately wanted to get up this season but things just haven't gone our way.

'There is just one game left now, at Norwich on Sunday, and we must look towards getting a positive finish before recharging the batteries over the summer.

'It's easy to say 'there's always next season' but there are a lot of players here that are determined to put things right after the disappointment of missing out.

'As for me, I'd just like to thank our fans for their tremendous support - both at home and away. Believe me, it is very much appreciated.'